Dental exams and professional cleanings are the foundation of preventive dental care. A cleaning removes the hardened plaque deposits that a toothbrush and floss cannot reach, and an exam catches developing problems before they require complex treatment. Most dental problems — cavities, gum disease, broken restorations, and even oral cancer — are far easier and less expensive to treat when caught early.
Dentcare Now in Fairfax, Virginia provides comprehensive exams and professional cleanings. We are open every day of the year. New patients are welcome and same-day appointments are available.
What Happens at a Dental Exam
A comprehensive dental exam includes a visual inspection of every tooth, the gum tissue, the soft tissues of the mouth, and the jaw joints. We use digital X-rays and AI-assisted imaging analysis to detect cavities, bone changes, and other issues that are not visible to the naked eye. Periodontal probing measures the depth of the gum pockets around each tooth to assess gum health. Oral cancer screening is included as part of every comprehensive exam. New patients receive a full set of X-rays at their first visit; established patients have X-rays taken on a schedule based on their individual risk level.
What Happens at a Professional Cleaning
A dental hygienist removes plaque and calculus from all surfaces of the teeth using hand instruments and ultrasonic scalers. Calculus, also called tartar, is hardened plaque that cannot be removed by brushing. It accumulates particularly along the gumline and between the teeth and is the primary driver of gum disease progression. After scaling, the teeth are polished to remove surface stains and smooth the enamel. Flossing between every tooth completes the cleaning.
How Often Should You Come In
Most adults benefit from a professional cleaning and exam every six months. Patients with a history of gum disease, high cavity rates, or certain medical conditions may need more frequent visits, typically every three to four months. Children generally follow the same six-month schedule beginning when the first tooth emerges or by age one.
What We Look For
Beyond cavities and gum disease, a thorough dental exam screens for cracked teeth, worn restorations, bite problems, signs of teeth grinding, dry mouth, and changes in the soft tissue that could indicate early pathology. Catching a small crack before it fractures, or a worn filling before it fails, is significantly less costly and disruptive than treating the resulting emergency.
Why Choose Dentcare Now for Exams and Cleanings in Fairfax, VA
Dentcare Now uses digital X-rays and AI-assisted imaging to improve diagnostic accuracy at every visit. We are open every day of the year, including weekends and holidays, making it easy to schedule around work and school. We accept most major insurance plans and offer financing through CareCredit, Cherry, Affirm, Sunbit, LendingClub, and Alphaeon.
Book a cleaning and exam at Dentcare Now in Fairfax, VA today.